Najib’s wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, broke the ceremonial bottle of water against the submarine’s sail to formally launch the vessel named after Malaysia’s founder and first prime minister.

Mansor also unveiled a plaque of the submarine as part of the inaugural ceremony and called upon Allah to bless the vessel and its crews.

The officials toured the KD Tunku Abdul Rahman, one of two submarines ordered by the Royal Malaysian Navy from DCNS and Spain’s Navantia in 2002. The submarine is armed with torpedoes, anti-surface-ship missiles and sea mines.

In a speech, Najib said the submarine aims to protect Malaysia’s sovereignty and maritime interests. He said it will also contribute to maritime security and safety in Southeast Asia.